Trip Schedule - May 2019

Date: 5/4 (SAT)

Location: HOOK MOUNTAIN - Hook Mountain State Park (New York).

Level: MODERATE HIKE (12 miles)

Today we’ll be doing our nearly-annual loop-hike over rugged Hook Mountain, on the west side of the Hudson River about 25 miles north of NYC. Included are some splendid views overlooking the Hudson. The highest elevation here is only 728 feet, but the mountain features vertical cliffs and rock walls, and the trail, while not precipitous, includes many ups and downs. Our final few miles will be on a much easier path alongside the river.

Van Campens Glen is a splendid mountain gorge that features a number of lovely waterfalls. The area was closed for years due to flood damage from Hurricane Irene, and we premiered part of today's itinerary a couple of years ago -- initially descending through the Glen and later returning up through it, and in between hiking to a roadless stretch of the Delaware River, where we'll have lunch overlooking the river. There are some short, steep hills and bits of rugged trail in the Glen (requiring good balance). The rest is easy.

Date: 5/11 (SAT)

Location: STONY BOOK / STONY LAKE - Stokes State Forest (New Jersey).

Level: EASY HIKE (5-6 miles)

​On today’s hike in northern New Jersey’s 16,000-acre Stokes State Forest we’ll be following a relatively new trail that encircles scenic Stony Lake, and for a time we’ll also be hiking alongside Stony Brook, which includes some beautiful little waterfalls and cascades. There’s one not-so-steep 300-foot hill, and the rest is on the easy side.

Level: MODERATE HIKE (9 miles).​A few years ago we premiered this hike on a relatively new network of trails. The highlight is PA's highest waterfall, spectacular and (after rain) massive 165-foot Raymondskill Falls, consisting of 3 cascades not far above the Delaware River. There are high cliffs en route that offer fine vistas. The trails are mostly dirt with few rocks, but with many ups and downs, a couple of them on the steep side.

​Today we’ll be following an unmarked trail up through a beautiful mountain gorge that features a series of waterfalls, some small and others up to 30-40 feet high, which are typically full in springtime -- and we’ll be hiking other paths and trails in the area. A couple stretches of trail are steep, narrow, and precipitous (anyone with a major fear of heights and/or less-than-great balance should skip this one). Another hike for waterfall fans!

Date: 5/19 (SUN)

Location: WILDCAT FALLS / POET'S LEDGE - Catskill Park (New York).

Level: MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (8-9 miles).

Our itinerary today will take us to beautiful Wildcat Falls, located high in New York’s northeastern Catskills, and then to the rock outcroppings of Poet’s Ledge, where there’s a spectacular mountain vista. Access to both is via an often steep hiking trail with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

Once again it’s a special pleasure to offer a Memorial Day weekend trips to Shenandoah National Park, home of the loveliest scenery of the Northern Virginia Blue Ridge -- where one often finds acres of blooming mountain laurel in late May, many miles of rushing streams with waterfalls, and some splendid mountain vistas from an assortment of trails. We’ve visited this park on camping trips more than 30 times since 1980. This year we’ll be returning to the northern part of the park (last year we were in the central part), camping in an area we last visited a few years ago, after hiking in with backpacks 2-3 miles on hilly trails. After setting up camp we’ll be taking day hikes each day. Hiking possibilities range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Scenic highlights will include impressive waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas. All day hikes are optional, and anyone who wishes may spend one or more days relaxing at our campsite. Departure will be Friday morning (early morning for those traveling with us from NYC, and around mid-day for those meeting us in the park) and we’ll be leaving the park by mid-morning on Monday (Memorial Day). [If you need to cancel or miss a trip for any reason, cash refunds are not available, and after 2/24/19, credit for future trips is available only if your space can be filled]. Calls and e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in Virginia). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225, with gas & toll costs reimbursed). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).